Forget Stonehenge, New York Has Manhattanhenge

Human beings are certainly an interesting species. Some of the things that get them excited, can be interesting, and even odd.

The desire to stop and take in a roadside attraction (definitely an article for another time) while on a journey to wherever is strong with many, including me.

Why wouldn't you want to see the largest ball of twine in the world (it's in Darwin, Minnesota, at 12 feet in diameter and weighs 17400 pounds), if the attraction was near your planned road trip anyway?

Read More: Vacation In This Tiny Airbnb House In New York State

You've heard of Stonehenge, right? Maybe you've been there (it's on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England.) I have been there. A bunch of large rocks in a circle, surrounded by weird tourists, including myself.

But, have you heard of Manhattanhenge? No? Well, let me educate you. (by the way, it's happening tonight - Wednesday, May 29).

As the American Museum of Natural History explains it, Manhattanhenge occurs in New York City (of course), and "comes around twice per year, when the setting Sun aligns precisely with the Manhattan street grid, creating a radiant glow of light across Manhattan's brick and steel canyons, simultaneously illuminating both the north and south sides of every cross street of the borough's grid."

This rare event in 2024 for a full viewing occurs on the evening of Wednesday, May 29th at 8:12 p.m. and again on Friday July 12th at 8:20 pm. Less than full can be viewed between May 28 and July 11.

The American Museum of Natural History notes several places to observe the Manhattanhenge sunset, including Manhattan's main east/west thoroughfares at 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, and 57th Street. also, good spots include the Tudor City Overpass in Manhattan and Hunter's Point South Park in Long Island City, Queens.

Check out the video below of Manhattanhenge explained. It's is an interesting take on this human being fascination.